Rhodes is leaving North Platte to become the Maxwell school superintendent next year.

Brownawell is currently assistant principal at Adams Middle School, a position he has held since 2011.

The school board will vote on the appointment when it meets April 23.

Human Resources Director Tami Eshleman said Brownawell was interviewed by district administrators, building administrators, building staff, teachers and students. When Brownawell was chosen, there was not enough time to get his appointment added to the school board agenda for the meeting Tuesday night, Eshleman said.

She said Superintendent Marty Bassett will officially recommend him to the board.

“Mike is excited to lead the high school," Eshleman said Tuesday. "He has high expectations for students and staff.”

Brownawell was the principal in Burns, Wyo. for seven years before he came to Adams Middle School.

He is a graduate of Beatrice High School and the University of Nebraska-Kearney, where he earned a bachelors of science degree with an endorsement in physical science. He has 22 years experience in secondary schools.

Brownawell was a science teacher in Mitchell for 13 years, and he also has an educational administration degree from Chadron State College.

His wife, Cari teaches math at Madison Middle School and together they have three daughters.

"Students know him as Mr. B and they know he is a man of character and a person that they can trust,” Steinbeck said.

Eshleman said the candidates for the job interviewed with staff, toured the high school, and interviewed with students. Certified positions were posted on the school website, as well as on the teacher in Nebraska website and the Nebraska Council of School Administrators website.

Candidates were screened by administration and contacted for interviews after reference checks were completed, Eshleman said.